EFCC arraigns four for N1.05 b subsidy fraud

Saminu Rabiu, Jubril Rowaye, Alminnur Resources Limited and Brila Energy Limited were arraigned before Justice Adebukola Banjoko of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on a 17-criminal count charge of conspiracy, forgery and obtaining N1.05billion under false pretence.

A statement by EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, said the accused were arraigned for allegedly defrauding the Federal Government.

The statement said the suspects allegedly submitted some forged documents and obtained the sum from the Petroleum Support Fund as subsidy for the importation of 10,000 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).

“When the charges were read to the accused, they all pleaded not guilty. Barristers R.O. Unnah (Counsel for first and third accused) and Ajibola Oluyede (Counsel for second and fourth accused) prayed the court to grant them bail.

“The prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, did not oppose the application but urged the court to impose stringent conditions ,which will ensure that the accused are available for trial.

“Justice Banjoko granted bail of N10million and two sureties.

“One of the sureties must be a director in the Civil Service. Both sureties, who must be resident in Abuja, are to swear an affidavit of means and produce evidence of tax payment in the past three years.

“In addition, the accused must deposit their international passports and three passport photographs each with the court.

“She adjourned the case till November 29 and 30 f and ordered that the accused be remanded in custody until they meet their bail conditions.”